The bassist believed he was the obvious choice ahead of ex-Free man Paul Rodgers, who toured and recorded with the surviving members - Brian May and Roger Taylor - between 2004 and 2009.

The post-Freddie Mercury line-up released their first studio album in 13 years, 'The Cosmos Rocks' in 2008, on which they collaborated with Rodgers.

Speaking about Sacha Baron Cohen's forthcoming movie role as the late 5Live's Victoria Derbyshire: What do I think of Sacha Baron Cohen playing Freddie Mercury?] there's only one Freddie! I tried to get James to join Queen when they were reforming with Paul Rodgers.

There's only one person who can belt out vocals like Freddie, and that's our James.

The film, which will focus on Queen's period leading up to Live Aid in 1985, will begin shooting next year.